1000lb Fish Tank Stand for $120

First, I have to say there are plenty of 2x4 based designs for fish tank stands on the web, and these are very nice and also very strong. I wanted instead to try reinforcing a low cost store bought floor cabinet when I needed a stand for what would be a 1000lb wet weight 120 gallon acrylic tank.

This is the starting unit ($89 at OSH).

As you can see it is only load bearing on the sides. Thus reinforcements would come as an extra vertical board in the center top, 3/4" rear panel, and load distribution legs at the bottom of the center panels. Also, this design has the top surface overhanging the front. So, the modification included redrilling the mounting holes so the the top surface was centered on the cabinet.

Picture of the extra center panel.

Picture of the added rear load bearing wall, and the load bearing legs on the bottom center (cabinet is upside down).

The completed unit doing its job. ~750lbs of water + ~200lbs of sand.

Total cost = $89 cabinet + $16 OSB 4x8x0.75" (center panel and 2x4 were scrap).